Dear God,
How precious is Your Holy Word to me each day, as I read and think about what You have prepared for me today. Your words can be likened to so many different things, for You have provided for our instruction and answered our needs in Your Word. They are like a banqueting table prepared for regular partaking of, as spiritual nourishment. Psalm 119: 105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Jesus our Saviour and example spent much time in prayer and absorbing all the words of Scripture, and gives us an example of the importance of these Holy words, as He withstood Satan in a life and death battle in the wilderness. It truly was a life and death battle for us, for if when weakened by a 40 day fast, Satan had caused Him to sin, then Satan would have claimed this world, and we would not have been saved from sinning and eternal death. Remind me often that it was by appropriating the words of Scripture, that Jesus overcame Satan, in severe temptation and trial; and so it can be for us.
We must not give Satan an entry by answering or following any of his suggestions; remembering, Jesus did not give Satan any authority. Matthew 4: 3, Satan tried to insert doubt in Jesus that He was the Son of God, as well as causing Him to presume to work a miracle to satisfy Satan’s charge, Jesus replied, Verse 4: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Satan in Verse 6, “….If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.’’ Then by misusing words of scripture, his temptation intensified. The answer of Jesus established Who He was, Verse 7 “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord Your God.’” This was a quote from the words of God, delivered by Moses, after some wrong actions of the children of Israel.
Satan now appealed to the human desire to acquire possessions and prestige, if Jesus would bow down and worship him. Jesus again relied on scripture for His decision and answer, Verse 10 “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
Please as I read implant in me Your Holy Word and a deep love for You, so by Your Spirit I can be snatched form temptation.
Amen